R&R behind enemy lines: Rectors of universities tied to Russia’s military-industrial complex acquire luxury properties in Italy

Mikhail Pogosyan is one of the most prominent figures in Russia’s aviation industry. He currently serves as Rector of the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) and boasts an impressive résumé: Doctor of Technical Sciences, professor, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and recipient of multiple state awards.

From 1998 to 2011, Pogosyan served as head of the Sukhoi Company, and from 2008 to 2011 he did double duty as the leader of the MiG Corporation. During his tenure at Sukhoi, the Su-27, Su-30, and carrier-based Su-33 fighter jets were developed and modernized, earning him the Order of Honor in 2002 for his work on the Su-33. Pogosyan also oversaw the development of the fifth-generation Su-57, Russia’s most advanced fighter jet to date. According to media reports, nearly all of these aircraft are now being used by Russian forces in Ukraine. He later became President of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) — a position he held from 2011 to 2015.

Pogosyan also spearheaded the launch of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 project. Media reports suggest that the commercial failure of the Superjet played a role in his resignation from UAC.

Today, Pogosyan leads MAI — one of Russia’s top aviation and aerospace universities, and also a key supplier of personnel for the country’s military-industrial complex. The university offers targeted enrollment for major defense companies, including Sukhoi Design Bureau, Yakovlev, Russian Helicopters, and the Almaz-Antey concern. MAI also operates its own drone development center and collaborates closely with major defense enterprises. Because of these ties, MAI has been sanctioned by the U.S., EU, Switzerland, Japan, and Ukraine.